Yet another poll is showing that Americans are blaming Republicans, not Barack Obama, for the impasse on the stimulus bill.
The new Pew poll has 51% of respondents saying the stimulus plan is a good idea, with only 34% who say it’s a bad idea. The poll also shows 43% saying Obama and Republicans have worked together, while 45% say they have not. Within the group who say they have not worked together, 61% blame Republican leaders, only 16% blame Obama, another 10% blame both, and 4% blame the Democratic Congressional leaders.
The survey also shows Republicans squarely losing the popularity contest. Obama’s approval rating is at 64%, with only 17% disapproval. Democratic leaders in Congress are in positive territory at 48%-38%, while the Republican leadership is at only 34%-51%.
There’s one number in here that can be read in a favorable way for Republicans: Respondents believed tax cuts are a more effective stimulus over spending by a 48%-39% margin. So expect the GOP leadership to play this number up, if they do cite the poll.
(Via Greg Sargent)
